*Islamabad, August 2025 —* In a major boost to its defense manufacturingambitions, Pakistan is in talks to bolster domestic production of theChinese Z-10ME attack helicopter—with the goal of achieving up to *70%local production within three years*, as part of a broader strategiccooperation with China.Deepening Sino-Pak Ties
The Z-10ME, an advanced export variant of the Chinese Changhe Z-10 attackhelicopter, has recently been inducted into Pakistan Army Aviation —marking the first export sale. This move fortifies Pakistan’s shift awayfrom ageing Western systems toward Chinese military technology.Technical Upgrades Highlighted
Built by Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAIC), the Z-10MEfeatures twin WZ-9G engines (~1,500 hp each), reaching altitudes beyond6,000 meters and speeds of up to 300 km/h — enabling high-altitude andrapid response operations. Its armament suite includes a 30 mm autocannon,multiple air-to-ground missiles like CM-502KG, TY-90 air-to-air weapons,and integration with loitering munitions and UAVs. Advanced defensivesystems, including infrared suppression, DIRCMs, armored plating, andelectronic warfare suites, further enhance survivability.Push for Localized Assembly
Beyond procurement, Pakistan aims to elevate its defense industrial base byestablishing a local assembly line for the Z-10ME — a move that wouldsignificantly reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, encourage technologytransfer, and develop in-country maintenance and production capabilities .Reports indicate that achieving domestic assembly for up to 70% of thehelicopter’s components is targeted within three years — a bold timelinereflecting Pakistan’s strategic commitment to self-reliance.Strategic Implications
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This initiative echoes efforts like India’s “Make in India” program, whilesimultaneously deepening the strategic partnership between Pakistan andChina. With China already supplying 81% of Pakistan’s arms imports between2019 and 2024, the Z-10ME agreement reinforces the burgeoningdefense-industrial alignment. Local manufacturing would not only servemilitary modernization goals but also contribute to economic developmentand technological capacity building.Cost-effective Modernization
At an estimated cost of around *$15 million per unit*, the Z-10ME presentsa more affordable alternative to platforms like the American Apache (whichcan cost over three times as much). Coupled with local assembly, theoverall cost per unit could decrease further, ensuring efficientmodernization of Pakistan’s attack helicopter fleet while retainingstrategic flexibility.